Scotland's Jobs Market: Permanent Placements and Wages Jump

Temporary job placements grew by its slowest level in five monthsReuters

Scotland's jobs market has continued to strengthen after more Scots found permanent placements and a rise in salaries.

According to the latest Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs, there was a sharp rise in people finding permanent positions and receiving higher wages, while temporary job market growth eased and was at its slowest rate in five months.

"The number of people appointed to jobs increased, as did starting salaries," said Donald MacRae, chief economist at the Bank of Scotland.

"A rise in vacancies confirmed business confidence remains high. The recovery in the Scottish economy looks set to continue into 2015."

Scotland's economy has grown over the last two months amid greater business confidence and renewed stability following the completion of the independence referendum on 18 September.

The Bank of Scotland Labour Market Barometer remained high with a reading of the fourth highest in the survey's history at 65.0.

"The Bank of Scotland report shows an improving employment picture for the 48th consecutive month, with the demand for permanent staff appointments increasing in Scotland," said John Swinney, Scotland's Finance Secretary.

"The report comes at a time when the Office for National Statistics figures published last week show that employment continues to rise and unemployment continues to fall in the Scottish economy.

"In addition, Scotland has the highest employment rate, lowest unemployment rate and lowest inactivity rate of all four UK nations."